Weavers Needle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weavers Needle |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,555 ft (1,388 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 993 ft (303 m) |
| Geography | |
 Weavers Needle
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Pinal County, Arizona, U.S. |
| Parent range | Superstition Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Weavers Needle |
Weavers Needle is a 1,000-foot-high (300 m) column of rock that forms a distinctive peak visible for many miles around. Located in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona, Weavers Needle was created when a thick layer of tuff (fused volcanic ash)—a volcanic plug—was heavily eroded, creating the spire as an erosional remnant with a summit elevation of 4,555 feet (1,388 m). It is set in a desert landscape of cactus and mesquite bush, with large Saguaro cacti particularly prominent. The peak was named after mountain man Pauline Weaver.
Weavers Needle has played a significant role in the stories of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. The Needle's shadow reportedly indicates the location of a rich vein of gold, and many treasure hunters have searched for it. The hunt for gold around Weavers Needle has been pursued by hundreds (possibly thousands) of people. Weavers Needle has a large split in the side that makes it look like it has two tops, not one. This can only be viewed from the side.
Weaver's Needle can be climbed as a four-pitch route. Each of the pitches is rated a 5.0 or less, with the second pitch being more of a class 4 scramble. The route is trad, and opportunities for protection with traditional gear are ample. No permit is required to hike to Weaver's Needle, or to climb, or to camp at the top. Highly experienced climbers will often free-solo, and rappel from the fixed anchors at the top. Despite the relatively low rating of the climb, this is not recommended for beginner or intermediate climbers.
The area surrounding Weavers Needle was burned in the Sawtooth Fire in June of 2020.
